Graduating success is celebrated in style in Doncaster

Nigel Booth

More than 650 students from 50 different courses paraded through Doncaster as they celebrated their graduation.

University Centre Doncaster ceremonies took place over three days, from Tuesday to yesterday, with processions of successful students parading from the college’s hub campus to Doncaster Minster on each day.

Twins Jessica and Hannah Pell-Taylor, who each achieved a certificate in teaching and lifelong learning.

Staff at the centre said the town prides itself on the high quality of its teaching, small class sizes and level of tutor support – with students echoing staff comments.

On Tuesday it was the turn of humanities, education, sport and social science students, with guest speaker Dan Fell, Chief Executive Officer of Doncaster Chamber.

On Wednesday, it was the turn of Relate Institute, School of Art, Design and Media and Department of Wellbeing, with guest speaker, Pam Burnard, professor of arts, creativities and education at the University of Cambridge.

And on Thursday, students of the School of Business, Sport and Enterprise and Department of Advanced Technology officially graduated and guest speaker was Carl Lygo, barrister and vice chancellor at BPP University.

A Doncaster College spokesman said: “We are proud to celebrate the success of all our students. As an accumulation of many years’ hard work we thoroughly enjoy welcoming them back to congratulate them and wish them well on their next step.”

Jessica Pell-Taylor, aged 28, of Queens Crescent, Bawtry, and her twin sister, Hannah, of Hyde Park in Doncaster town centre, both said they were emotional, nervous and excited.

Jessica added: “I feel this is a real achievement. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.” Her twin sister said: “The whole experience is fantastic and emotional. I worked very hard for this and had a baby to look after throughout my studies so I’m very proud to have achieved this.” Gemma Coates, aged 32, of Instone Terrace, Intake, said of her PGCE teaching certificate: “It’s amazing to pass. I am just a normal person who has achieved so much – I’m so proud.”

Gavin Hichliffe, 33, who also gained a PGCE added: “I was out of education for ten years, so to come back and achieve this is fantastic.”